How to Create an Espalier
Espalier is an ancient method of growing fruit and flowers in which the plants are trained to grow along wires strung against a wall or a fence. Traditional espalier uses horizontal or fan-shaped patterns to display flowers or fruits while also making use of vertical space in the garden. Using this technique allows you to maximize space in a small garden while creating a beautiful focal point. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Electric drill
- Eye bolts (with anchors for masonry walls)
- Heavy gauge dark green or black wire
- Appropriate plants (climbing roses, vines, apple, pear, fig tree, jasmine or camellia)
Instructions
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1
Choose your plants. You can espalier a wide variety of flower-bearing and fruit-bearing shrubs. Choose slow growing or dwarf varieties to reduce the amount of work you have to do in your garden.
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2
Prepare your site. Choose a site along a south or east facing wall or fence and dig a hole six to ten inches away that is slightly bigger than the plant pot. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, half fill it with water and allow it to drain, then gently move the plant into the hole and fill with soil. Add water and mulch.
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3
Choose an espalier style. You can train the plant shoots to run horizontally along the wall or you can create a more complicated fan, cordon or diamond design. Draw the style you choose on a piece of paper for easy reference.
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4
Create your espalier. Using your drawing as a guide, insert eye bolts into the side of the wall or fence at 12 to 18 inch intervals and run wire through the eyes.
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5
Train the young shoots. Use soft string to tie the branches that will be part of your espalier design to the wire. A simple double knot will be sufficient. Check the ties in the spring and fall to make sure they are not too tight. As the plant grows, you will need to loosen them.
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6
Prune for best growth. Cut off any branches that do not conform to your design. Check your espalier regularly throughout the growing season and keep pruning any new shoots that you do not tie to the wires.
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